Long Beach State defender Natalie Messina (Santa Rosa, CA/Maria Carrillo HS) earned Big West Women’s Soccer Player of the Week honors after spearheading the team’s outstanding defensive effort that resulted in two shutouts at the Bluejay Classic. Messina was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player for her efforts.

The sophomore booted in the game-winning goal against host Creighton in the 95th minute of a 1-0 overtime win on Sunday. The winning tally came off of a free kick and Messina drilled one from 25 yards away.

Messina anchored a defensive corps that put the clamps on South Dakota State in the tournament opener, a 3-0 LBSU triumph. The Jackrabbits were held without a shot for the 55 minutes of the contest and finished with only five shots overall.

For Messina, it was the second time this season that she garnered tournament MVP accolades and her third all-tournament selection. This is Messina’s first Big West Player of the Week honor for her career.